Op-Ed

For too long, Ohio has ranked among the worst of states in allowing the neglect and mistreatment of dogs by high-volume commercial breeders.

Animal-welfare advocates — mostly volunteers — worked tirelessly for years to educate citizens, illustrate the extent of the cruelty, and pressure state lawmakers to act. Because of their efforts, in late 2012 the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed, and Gov. John Kasich signed, legislation requiring the Ohio Department of Agriculture to license high-volume breeders and set rules for the housing, nutrition and care of these dogs.